Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia [FMS] is a common, chronic widespread pain syndrome usually associated with other somatic and psychologic symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties Oxidative stress means an alteration in the delicate balance between free radicals and the scavenging capacity of antioxidant enzymes in favor of free radical in the body system. To evaluate and compare the antioxidants and lipid peroxidation in patients with fibromyalgia and healthy control. The study has included sixty patients with FMS [40 females and 20 males] and thirty healthy subjects. The subjects were selected from people attending the out patients clinic in Medical City-Baghdad Teaching Hospital-Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Consultation Unit. Laboratory parameters included: uric acid, albumin, caeruloplasmin, total thaiol, malondiaaldehyde [MDA] and peroxinitrate[ONOO[-]]. MBA and uric acid levels in serum of patients with fibromyalgia were significantly higher than in the control group. While the levels of ONOO[-] GSH,CP, albumin in serum of patients with fibromyalgia were significantly lower than in healthy control. oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia syndrome

Determination of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [ACCP] and C-reactive protein [C-RP] concentrations in serum of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]

Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome; almost invariably, symptoms persist at 5-and 10-year follow-ups. The degree of functional impairment is similar to that seen in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] antibody testing is particularly useful in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, with high specificity, in the early disease process, with the ability to identify patients who are likely to have severe disease and irreversible damage. CRP is a member of the class of acute-phase reactants that its levels rise dramatically during inflammatory processes occurring in the body. The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of anti CCP-in patients with FM and the association of anti-CCP level with C-RP. This study included 60 patients with FMS according to the ACR 1990 criteria. Their age range was 20-60 years. These patients were then matched by age and sex to 30 healthy control persons with mean age 42.81 +/- 2.16 years. The mean values of ACCP antibodies concentration in serum of patients with FMS were no significant difference as compared to the level in serum of healthy controls [p>0.05], while the mean values of C-RP concentration in serum of patients with FMS were significantly increased than the level in serum of healthy control [p< 0.05]. It is clear from this study that there is no relationship between the levels of ACCP concentration and FMS while C-RP concentration in patients with FMS may be a good indicator to evaluate this disease

Levels of magnesium, zinc, calcium and copper in serum of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome; almost invariably, symptoms persist at 5- and 10-year follow-ups. Several studies reported the importance of trace elements on the immune system. It plays an important role in physiological processes that are crucial for normal functioning of the immune system. Fibromyalgia could be the result of an over-active immune system, the immune system works to protect the body by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other foreign cells. When over-active, the immune system can cause severe inflammation and pain. The main objective of this study is the association between the levels of Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium and Copper in patients with FMS. This study was performed during the period from April 2009 to February 2010, and included 60 patients with FMS according to the ACR 1990 criteria, these criteria, a history of widespread pain has been present for at least three months affecting all four quadrants of the body, i.e., both sides, and above and below the waist, and there are 18 designated possible tender or trigger points. During diagnosis, four kilograms-force [39 newtons] of force is exerted at each of the 18 points; the patient must feel pain at 11 or more of these points for fibromyalgia to be considered. Four kilograms of force is about the amount of pressure required to blanch the thumbnail when applying pressure. Their age range was from 20-60 with the mean age of 39.95 +/- 1.10 years. These patients were matched by age and sex to 30 healthy control subjects with the mean age 42.81 +/- 2.16 years. Blood samples were taken from each individual and separated for the estimation of Mg, Zn, Ca and Cu levels using atomic absorption technique. The laboratory tests were done in Teaching Laboratories of the Medical City and the Department of Physiological Chemistry / College of Medicine University of Baghdad. The level of Mg, Zn and Ca in serum of patients with FMS was significantly lower than in serum of healthy control while the level of Cu in serum of FMS patients was significantly higher than healthy control. Levels of Mg, Zn, Ca concentrations in serum of patients with FMS were significantly lower than healthy control subjects, while Cu concentration in patients with FMS was significantly higher than healthy control subjects and levels of Mg, Zn, Ca and Cu may be a good indicator to evaluate this disease

[Malignant nerve tumors about 8 cases]

Malignant nerve tumors, currently called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, are uncommun, and represent less than 10 percent of adult soft tissues sarcomas. The authors report in this article a series of 8 cases of malignant nerve tumors and propose an epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic study and the outcome of these tumors

Groundwater resources of a multi-layered aquiferous system in arid area: Data analysis and water budgeting

The Maknassy basin in central Tunisia receives insignificant precipitation [207 mm/y], but the hydrological system retain very small quantities of water due to the steep topography and surface water resource partially mobilised witch is evacuated toward the basin outlet. However, the Maknassy plain support agriculture based on ground water irrigation with increasing water demand last decades. These developments have boosted agricultural productivity in the region. While these problems are mainly due to poor surface water management strategies in the region, the groundwater resources in this basin should be properly assessed and suitable measures taken for uniform surface water mobilization. As a first step in this direction, groundwater resources have been assessed. Regional specific yield [0.017] and groundwater recharge have been estimated on the basis of water table fluctuation method. Groundwater recharge amounting to 61.5 10[6] m[3] in a year takes place in the region through infiltration of rainwater [48.1 10[6] m[3] for phreatic aquifer and 13.4 10[6] m[3] for the deep one], and recharge due to the infiltration in the Leben quady bed [1.57 10[6] m[3]]. Recharge to deeper aquifers has been estimated at 0.1 10[6] m[3] during dry seasons. Assuming that at least 40% [102.61 10[6] m[3]] of the total precipitation water [256.64 10[6] m[3]] makes the runoff water, this important resource can be mobilized in order to increase groundwater recharge. Subject to an arid climate, such region requires an integrated water resource management. It permits to keep aquiferous system equilibrium and participate to the sustainable development which integrates natural resource management

[Surgical treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot about 18 cases]

Forefoot deformity in rheumatoid arthritis is a common occurrence leading to significant disability and impingement. Surgical options are frequently used to correct these deformities. The purpose of the present, retrospective study is to report our experience in surgical treatment of the rheumatoid forefoot: forefoot reconstruction with first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis first metatarsal osteotomy and lesser metatarsal head resection performed on 18 patients. After surgery the results were good 14/17 patients were without pain during weight bearing and were able to wear casual shoes. Three patients were suffering from persistent pain. The average angle of the fused hallux was 19 2°. This surgical procedure is simple and efficient at the same time allowing a good correction of the rheumatoid deformity and respecting the concept of united family forefoot

[ importance of barb wire in surgical treatment of mallet finger a study of 12 cases]

The authors report a series of 12 cases of mallet finger treated surgically by steel wire of barb-wire, all the patients were men with an average age of 32 years and the injury occurs basically in the little finger of the dominant hand. The patients were examined again about 2 years later on average. The results were good in 11 cases with recuperation of complete joint motion, a neuro algodystrophic syndrome with joint stiffness had been noted in one neurotonic patient. No complications such as infection or skin necrosis nor deformity or trophic or dysesthesia trouble had been noted

[Treatment od dorsal fracture dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint with arthrodesis technic: about 19 cases]

Trojan fracture is an unstable lesion which associate an anterior marginal fracture of the second phalanx base and a dorsal dislocation of the first interphalangeal joint under the influence of the extensor traction. The instability of this lesion is more important when the anterior marginal fragment is big. Various techniques were described, we report our experience using the arthrorise's technique to treat this lesion. The procedure associate a reduction of the fracture and the dislocation using a dorsal pinning. This procedure is simple and allows an early physiotherapy, important for this joint. We used this procedure in 19 Trojan fractures between 1995 and 2002 awl at 3 years follow-up our results based on functional, clinical and radiological criteria were satisfactory

[ chinese flap about 26 cases]

The chinese flap, alsow called antebrachial radial flap is a fascio-cutaneous flap based on the radial artery. Since the description, it opened indisputably a new chapter in plastic surgery. Through a series of 26 cases realized in our service of which 24 pediculed and 2 free flaps, we ware able to confirm it's reliability, and we studied its advantages and the inconveniences. It's a quite simple flap who can gives a good quality of skin supple and thick. The principal inconvenient is that it scarify a main artery of the hand, that is why, we have to think about it before potting its indication, although we had no complication inherent to this taking. The zone donor always keeps an unaesthetic scar at the level of the fore arm; and consequently the indication at the woman most be studied well I Finally to hairy subjects this flap must be avoided in certain locations such as the palm of th hand and the face

[Lipoma of the hand a study about 15 cases]

The lipoma are a fat tumors which are rare in the hand they can be lonely or take part of diffuse lipomatose. The physical examination is discerning of the other benign tumors by the "ice cube test" which is reliable and cheap. The treatment consist in surgical excision of all the tumor. Our work is based on retrospective study of 15 cases of hand ilpoma. The analysis shows that lipoma was more frequent in male, the avenge age was 40 years, the dominant hand was morely affected and the anatomopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnostic in all cases. None occurrence was happened after the excision of the tumor

lnterleukin-6 level in serum of Iraqi patients on maintenance hemodiaiysis therapy

Chronic renal failure [CRF] is characterized by progressive destruction of renal mass with irreversible sclerosis and loss of nephrons over a period of at least months to many years which is treated either by dialysis which includes hemodialysis [HD] and peritoneal dialysis [PD] or renal transplantation. To document the elevation of lnterleukin-6 [IL-6] in Iraqi HD patients, and to what degree that elevation influences secretion of C-reactive protein [CRP], in addition to its association with other acute phase proteins and kidney function tests. A total of 75 individuals were included in the present study, 50 individuals were treated with HD compared to 25 healthy volunteers. The level of serum IL-6 showed a significant increase in HD patients, and this elevation lead to a high increase in the secretion of CRP as well as the differences in levels of other serum acute phase proteins; ferritin revealed an increase in its level, while alb shows a decrease in its level. Kidney function tests were detected in sera of all the studied groups, which showed ran increase in urea and Cr with a decrease in CrCI in patients group

Erythropoietin therapy of anaemia in predialysed patients with chronic renal failure

Erythropoietin [EPO] therapy and appropriate iron administration are important aspects for managing the anemia of chronic renal failure. Achieving target hemoglobin levels of 11 to 12g/dl, and optimizing iron balance should improve clinical outcome and increase patient quality of life. The need for blood transfusions has been largely eliminated. METHODS. 20 patients were included in this study, 40units/Kg twice weekly, subcutaneously of EPO were given to all patients. Serial hemoglobin [Hgb.], hematocrit [Hct.], platelets, ferritin, urea, creatinine were estimated regularly. The rate of increasing Hgb. were Ig/month, steady increase in the Hct levels, moderate rise in the platelets count within the normal range during treatment with EPO, this progresses during the course of continued therapy Transient increase in serum potassium, a fall in serum ferritin were observed in patient whom were not taking iron supplement, therefore oral iron was started accompanied with a rise in serum ferritn. Our study affords conclusive evidence that EPO therapy gives good results in the treatment of anemia in chronic renal insufficiency with no deleterious increase in blood pressure

Ramadan fasting and diabetic control in adolescents and young adults

One hundred and six [56 females and 50 males] diabetic adolescents and young adults with type I diabetes were studied. Their mean age was 19 years [range 13-23y] and mean duration of their diabetes was 7.3 years [range l/2-20y]. The mean insulin dose during Ramadan was 0.7 u/kg/day divided into two doses with 3/4 of the total dose was given at evening before breakfast and 1/4 of the total dose at dawn before the early morning meal. The two insulin doses were given as 50/50 soluble/NPH. Ninety two [87%] diabetic adolescents and young adults completed their fast for 30 days with no interruption and 14[13%] broke their fast for 1-8 days. The mean HbAlC level before Ramadan fast was 11% [range 6-18%] and dropped to 10% [6-17%] after the Ramadan fast. After Ramadan month 46 [43%] subjects had fasted with a decrease in HbA 1 C level. 21 [20%] fasted without change in HbA 1 C level and 39 [3 7%] fasted with slight increase in HbA 1 C level. Although, few diabetics have broken the fast [mainly due to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia] the present work have shown that the large majority of adolescents and young adult diabetics can fast quite safely during the month of Ramadan in the presence of good education and supervision and obviously with modification of their insulin regimen

foreign intrabronchial bodies in the adult-about 4 cases

The foreign bronchial bodies are rare and of difficult and delayed diagnosis. In this study about 4 cases, the authors report the caracteristic and evolution, and insist on cancer diagnosis

Hypo calcemic cardiac-insufficiency

In this study, the authors report the observation of two female patients admitted to a hospital cardiology service of hypocalcemic cardiac insufficiency which complicated a post surgery hypoparathyroidism, the former on a previously healthy heart, the later on ischaemic cardiopathy. The treatment of the cardiac insufficiency of both cases have required a supply calcitherapy.The metabolic origin i.e. hypocalcemia, although rare,of a cardiac insufficiency resistant to a classical diuretic digital treatment, is thus mentioned in a particular context

In vitro antileishmanial activities of some imino compounds

Nineteen imino compounds were tested against the in vitro growth of Leishmania major. A high percentage of growth inhibition [range 79-87%] was observed with imines containing the derivatives phthalimide, thiazole-sulphonamide and isoxazole. The I [50] was the lowest [3 micro g/ml] for imino inhibitors containing the combined thiazole-sulphonamide derivatives, indicating a higher potency of parasite inhibition than the rest of imines tested